Shloka 23
कैलासगमनं कुबेरसख्यं च — Śiva’s Journey to Kailāsa and His Friendship with Kubera
त्यक्त्वा दुर्वृत्तसंसर्गं साधुसंगरतो भव । सद्विद्यासु मनो धेहि ब्राह्मणाचारमाचर
tyaktvā durvṛttasaṃsargaṃ sādhusaṃgarato bhava | sadvidyāsu mano dhehi brāhmaṇācāramācara
Abandon the company of the wicked and rejoice in the fellowship of the holy. Set your mind upon true spiritual knowledge, and practice the righteous discipline and conduct taught by the Brahmanas.
Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva’s dharmic instruction within the Rudrasaṃhitā context)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Sadāśiva
Role: liberating
FAQs
It teaches that liberation-oriented Shaiva life begins with purification: renouncing corrupting influences, seeking satsanga, and steadying the mind in sat-vidyā so the soul (paśu) loosens the bonds (pāśa) and becomes fit for Shiva’s grace (pati).
Linga worship in the Shiva Purana is not merely external; it is sustained by inner and outer purity. Holy company, truthful knowledge, and disciplined conduct make the devotee’s offerings and japa effective, aligning the mind toward Saguna Shiva and ultimately toward the supreme reality beyond limitation.
The verse implies a daily sādhana: keep satsanga, study authentic Shaiva teachings (sat-vidyā), and practice dharmic conduct; this naturally supports japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), along with purity-based observances such as Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) and respectful temple/Linga worship.